A simple “thank you” to all those who joined with me in supporting our successful effort to implement a relevant Affordable Housing Ordinance that serves to update the previous legislation which was enacted in 1988. It is vitally important to address the basic needs of long-time residents, many who are raising families, who are facing the sobering reality that they can no longer to afford to remain in Hoboken due to escalating property values.

As most residents know, the affordable housing issue hit a tipping point in 1985 and led to the ushering of the reform Vezzetti administration, as was illustrated in the award winning documentary “Delivered Vacant.” A key architect of the 1988 affordable housing legislation was then Councilman Joseph DellaFave. I would like to thank Joe for stepping forward this summer in supporting the new Affordable Housing Ordinance, which was unanimously approved on September 5th.

The approval was a community effort, which I was pleased to help facilitate as a Council member. There were many responsible for its passage. I would also like to thank Hoboken resident Mike Evers and Kevin Walsh of Fair Share Housing, April Harris, the Hoboken Clergy Coalition, the Hoboken NAACP and all others who gave their much need support.

Lastly, I would like to thank the council majority for reconsidering their previous stance to hold-off ratification in favor of more studies and review. This is an issue that could not be delayed and an ordinance template that has already been adopted by over 200 New Jersey communities without legal challenge.

As we move forward, we must understand that Hoboken is a vibrant and diverse socio-economic community that embraces diversity. Adoption of this ordinance is proof that we care.

Interesting that the Move Forward school board ticket being run by Councilwoman Castellano's son had their election day workers carrying signs imploring voters to vote "YES" on the rent control question #2.

If the vote "NO" on Question #2 holds we can expect a new set of rent control rules that will be fair to both sides.

Also interesting that the signs used by the Move Forward workers had the exact same colors (green and yellow)and graphic style thay Mayor Zimmer used in her campaign presumably to make it look like Mayor Zimmer also wanted you to vote "YES." The truth is that Mayor Zimmer made many public staements asking people to vote "NO" on question #2.

Dirty political tricks ?

As a cousin of disgraced former mayor and convicted felon Anthony Russo we should not be surprised by Councilwoman Castellano's actions.